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I am so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Paul Beljan, a pediatric neuropsychologist who is doing incredible work pushing our field forward. This episode is a deep dive into why we need to move past the outdated discrepancy models of the 1990s and start looking at the actual neurology of how kids learn. Paul and I talk about the “learn and lose” phenomenon, why math disorders are so frequently missed in schools, and the critical role of the cerebellum in procedural learning. We also get into the weeds on how to write reports that parents actually want to read and how to give feedback to a child in a way that is empowering rather than pathologizing. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the standard way of identifying learning disorders just isn’t capturing the full picture of the kids sitting across from them.

00:32: The importance of accuracy in pediatric diagnosis and the weight of professional responsibility.
03:39: A critique of the discrepancy model and the “wait to fail” problem in schools.
07:34: Why math learning disorders are rarely diagnosed and the role of procedural consolidation.
11:32: Distinguishing between phonological and orthographic dyslexia through error analysis.
15:04: The “hook and ladder” fire truck analogy for the dual-tiered model of executive functioning and the cerebellum.
30:48: The failure to consolidate fundamentals versus conceptual understanding in dyscalculia.
45:13: Reforming neuropsychological report writing using the Stephanie Nelson model.
59:08: How to conduct an “awareness meeting” feedback session with children.

Cool Things Mentioned

Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists
Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists
Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists
Paul’s practice website: www.beljanpsych.com
The FAM and the FAR (Feifer Assessment of Math/Reading): www.parinc.com
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: www.lindamoodbell.com
Orton-Gillingham Academy: www.ortonacademy.org
The Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Executive-Brain-Frontal-Lobes-Civilized/dp/0195156012
Neuro Summary Sheet
The Wisdom Paradox by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Paradox-Your-Mind-Stronger/dp/1592401872
Dr. Stephanie Nelson (The Peer Consult): www.thepeerconsult.com
Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: www.giftedbooks.com
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz: www.dyslexia.yale.edu

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About Dr. Paul Beljan

Dr. Paul Beljan is a pediatric neuropsychologist practicing in Scottsdale, AZ. He is a past president of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN). He holds child diplomate with ABPdN and adult diplomate with the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN). In 2016, Dr. Beljan completed a post-doctoral master’s degree in psychopharmacology from New Mexico State University. Dr. Beljan co-authored Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, BiPolar, OCD, Depression, and Other Disorders. He also co-authored Large Scale Brain Systems and Neuropsychological Assessment: An Effort to Move Forward. Dr. Beljan is a nationally retained forensic expert and lectures nationally and internationally.

Get in Touch & Resources:

Email: p.beljan@beljanpsych.com
Website: https://www.paulbeljan.com/

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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